Motlana: passing of a great man

Nthato Motlana, who passed away on Sunday, gave his life to helping others. He played an active role in the struggle against apartheid, and had several firsts for black business under his belt.

Youth leadership award for Natalie

Natalie du Toit receives the IAHV Youth Leadership Award 2008

South African Olympian and Paralympian Natalie du Toit has joined a select group of young international leaders honoured for their contribution to ethics and human values.

SA woman scoops UK award

June Bam-Hutchison, GG2 Achievement through Adversity Award winner 2008

Author and community development strategist June Ban-Hutchison's achievements, in spite of living and struggling through the apartheid education system, have finally been recognised on the world stage.

Trailblazer: Carl Pretorius

Trailblazer Carl Pretorius

What does it take for an espresso addict from Johannesburg to revolutionise the Rooibos industry? Nothing, initially, except for the conviction that there must be a way to get a strong fix from something that doesn't leave you shaking in your business boots three cups down the line.

Community Builder: Uzendt Peters

Community Builder Uzendt Peters

As a teacher in a state school, Uzendt Peters knew that if skills-dependent industries wanted skilled labour, and his pupils wanted jobs, that industry had to be brought into the education field.

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South Africa's population

Population

Over 47-million people and a wide variety of cultures, languages and beliefs.

South Africa's population by province

By province

KwaZulu-Natal has most people, but Gauteng is most densely populated.

South Africa's languages

Languages

Of 11 official languages, English is the most spoken in commercial public life - but only fifth most spoken at home.

Alive with Possibility Stories

Everyday heroes,

community builders, social innovators, trailblazers ... Across South Africa, individuals and organisations are building a country that's Alive with Possibility.

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela

Find out more about one of the great moral and political leaders of our time.

What is ubuntu?

The Zulu world "ubuntu" translates roughly as "humanity towards others". But it means much more than this. The spiritual foundation of African societies, ubuntu involves a belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all of humanity, a unifying worldview best captured by the Zulu maxim umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu - "a person is a person through other persons".

South Africa photo galleries

Gallery: People of South Africa

The Rainbow Nation

South Africa is a culturally diverse country, one nation made up of many peoples.

South 
African arts and culture

Arts and culture

Art, dance, literature, music - all the facets of our rich cultural kaleidoscope.

South Africa's history and heritage

History & heritage

Information and features on South Africa's turbulent history and rich heritage.